‘Smart’ move as Clondalkin embosser adds greater prominence on aluminum lids
The pre-cut lid manufacturer says it is the only UK company to have the technology, which enhances print quality and increases branding opportunities on foil lids.
Pre-cut aluminium lids
Paul Whelan, technical manager for Lids, Clondalkin Flexible Packaging, told DairyReporter, logo-embossing or de-embossing is not new, but until now the only way to create this effect was through the use of rollers.
He said the roller technique is ‘very expensive,’ which is why we don't see a lot of products in the market with this type of effect.
"Embossing is a technical requirement on all pre-cut aluminum lids and traditionally this is produced with an all-over embossing pattern,” he said.
“SMARTembossing allows a customer to choose the whereabouts on the lid where they have the embossing, which means they can choose to emboss the rim of the lid only, leaving the rest of the lid smooth and any graphics unaffected.
“Printing onto a smooth lid means there is no design distortion and enhances print quality.”
He added customers can choose to emboss the entire lid, but use the SMARTembosser to 'de-emboss' the graphics, giving them greater prominence.
“This is a particularly effective technique when used for logos or branding,” he said.
Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury supplies flexible packaging in the food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. It is one of 11 production facilities across Europe and North America under Clondalkin Group’s Flexible Packaging Division.
Comexi 8 colour press
The flexible packaging division recently invested in a high speed flexographic printing press at Orlando, Florida, facility, which specializes in converting, printing, slitting and die-cutting packaging materials such as aluminum foil, paper, film and laminates for the bakery, beverage, dairy and coffee markets.
The Comexi 8 colour press can print on multiple substrates on a range of products and includes auto registration, automated ink control systems, reverse-side web printing, and high capacity drying units.
Nick Gamb, director, marketing, Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Orlando, said customers in the dairy market, in particular, are looking for ways to make their products stand out on the shelf.
“Customer buying behavior is strongly influenced by the look and feel of the packaging. Print is a simple yet very effective way to unify a brand and visually set products apart from the competition, therefore investing in high quality print is essential."
